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Fear...

13/6/2016

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' Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice. ' ~ Will Smith

In the past week, I experienced 'fear'. It was unpleasant. It was uncomfortable. I decided to sit with it for some moment. I then became curious how, what, when and why 'fear'. The experience sprung from a place of unknowing, the unknowing of the future that has yet arrived. It was attachment to the past, to status quo. Could it be the resistance to change or the speed of change? In yoga philosophy, this status or quality of being may be expressed as tamasic, meaning inertia or doubt, an imbalance of the Gunas.
Changes happen from moment to moment, and at times one may not feel comfortable with changes, or the speed of change itself. I recalled the quote from the movie After Earth (2013), and in my head I realise at that moment that fear is not real. It is my mind's anticipation and projection of the undesirable. Changes is imminent, but fear is a choice.
My reflection... most people project possible outcomes based on past experiences. I did. At that moment, I felt afraid of the speed of change. I stayed present, and rooted to the present moment, the present experience, and realise that 'fear' does not exist, it was 'changes' that is present. My choice now is the reaction to this 'change' in my life.
 
Questions for reflection:
Observe the next time you experience 'fear', are your thoughts in the past, present or future?
What is your strategy to root yourself to the present moment?
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Me-time...

29/2/2016

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' Today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again. '
~ Eleanor Roosevelt


Friends and family often asked how I maintain my sanity and calm living in the midst of busy London, how I keep up my energy and inspiration teaching year after year. I rest... a lot! Over time (with pitfalls every now and then), I learned to recognise when I am short, when people around me begin to feel uneasy, that's where I would double check on my 'rest' barometer. Equally during those times when I hear myself 'This is not the best of me, I am not being myself.'.
So in organising my calendar for the year in the last few weeks, I set aside periodic 'me-time' for personal retreat, for rest, for deep reflection and extended meditation. We all need regular scheduled 'me-time', to extract ourselves from the rat race momentarily, to being away from daily commitments, duties and responsibilities, to reset and reflect before resuming the multiple roles we take on.
​
Questions for reflection:
Would you consider scheduling 'me-time', to invest in your well being and sanity?
What would be your plan to achieve this? Know that it is a choice... yours.

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2016...

26/1/2016

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​Reflecting on my new year...
This year, this day, this moment is very special and it will not repeat itself in this life time.
Having just watched the movie 'Jupiter Ascending', a quote strike my heart...
'Time is the single most precious commodity in the universe.'
Therefore choose to live with awareness, to consciously make choices in life that support life's purpose. For me, appreciating and committing time on the mat, time serving yoga, time for loved ones and my sangha, time to forgive myself and others, time to rekindle broken relationships. A resolution to choose wisely where and how I invest my time and energy today. We all have this innate strength and capacity, only if we are willing and open to it. 

Questions for reflection:
How / what do you spend most of your time? Would you like to have more or less of this in your life?
Is there anything you would like to invest more time / energy moving forward? 

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Autumn has arrived... Winter soon to follow

30/10/2015

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Autumn, my favourite season... the season of letting go, and trust... trust that things will be ok. Allowing nature, allowing life to take its course. Gathering courage to move on without attachment to the warmth of summer. Dare the darkness and set foot into the unknown, just because it is yet to be known which keeps life interesting. As I settle into quietness, darkness and stillness, I surrender to the beauty and colour of autumn.
Winter in a few months, honouring hibernation and rest, reflecting and diving deeper into solitude. Season to celebrate the passing of 2015. Deepest gratitude for another year gone by, which offers a spectrum of experiences that has enriched my life. I take refuge in spending extended period on my meditation seat.
Reflection:
What does autumn / winter mean to you? What does spring / summer mean to you? How could you embrace the seasons as a complete cycle of continuous transitions?
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Jump...

1/8/2015

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Now... this is completely new to me. Not written a blog in my life. I am attempting... I am jumping off the cliff, to try something out of my comfort zone. At least I have an intention, to share, to be honest, to trust, and most importantly to connect with you through conversation and comments here.

It is often our preference to stay where we are, to be within familiar grounds, which provides consistency, security and comfort. I am curious. I open my heart and mind this morning, and find myself wondering how could I connect with a wider community, to share yoga and life, to offer my little self and SELF.

Today's lesson: Jump... jump off the cliff, try something new, break out of your comfort zone, open your heart and trust. Taste that purple drink from the smoothie bar, offer a hot drink to the homeless on the street instead of money, prepare your favourite dish and offer it to your neighbour, send your mum a gratitude card on your birthday, write a blog if you have not given it a try, give your mother-in-law a heart warming big hug and kiss... ok let's leave it at that. Let's jump, let's do this together!
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    Adelene is happy to share her life and experiences through this blog. May this inspire your practice and living. May this serve to connect us.

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